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Much to the dismay of my Roman Catholic background, I’m not a particularly religious person. I have never been fond of the politics, backstabbing, hypocrisies, violence, orders and harsh judgements that are done in the name of religion. Many of these aspects have never quite made sense to me, and most likely – never will. I respect other peoples right to believe what they hold in their hearts, and ask that they extend that same courtesy to me. Freedom to believe. Love that.

Though religion baffles me a bit, I can easily say I am a woman of unfaltering faith and spirituality.

Some folks seem taken aback when they learn my personal views on organized religion, but they are just that – my own, personal views. They ring true to me, they ring true within me, and they are mine. I believe in a creator – label it however you like -whether it is God, Buddha, Jesus … the list goes on – I don’t have a name for it, I just know that deep within me it resonates that there is something out there. I soak in what surrounds me… I im in awe of beautiful skies, painfully vibrant flowers, landscapes that are so breathtakingly beautiful they couldn’t possibly come from something that didn’t encompass … well, love. I believe in a creator, a God… just not religion.

I mentioned I was raised Roman Catholic, private schools – the whole shebang. My Gramma grew up in a convent during a period of her childhood, and religion was something she held onto dearly. The rituals, the prayers, the devout faith she held were always something I admired. Those same things that meant alot to her are still very precious to me. I thought today, I’d share a variation on one of my favorite prayers… hoping that it touches a few of you too.

St. Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself
just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

7 Responses

chrysti- this is absolutely beautiful- and although i did not grow up catholic, i have a tremendous love of religious, icon art, like your breath-taking photo. and thank you for sharing the prayer for st theresa, she has always been a favorite of mine, but i never knew her prayer. simply wonderful and inspiring. like you!

There is so much for me, for all of us , in this prayer Chrysti. I am a very religious person but don’t belong to any traditional religion. For me, being religious means being full of faith and that I have. Faith in love, faith in beauty, faith in the goodness of our souls (though often not in our human forms). Thank you for this beautiful prayer that touches this religious heart.
Here’s hoping it fills your day with faith.